About Holy Family University
Holy Family University builds healthcare professionals and educators through hands-on learning in northeast Philadelphia. The 2,298-student campus emphasizes nursing and education programs with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. Founded by the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth in 1954, the Catholic university maintains strong ties to local hospitals and school districts for clinical rotations and student teaching placements.
Students pay an average net price of $12,251 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving working-class families. Graduates earn a median salary of $62,235 within ten years, while carrying typical debt of $25,125. The 97.1% employment rate shows strong job placement in nursing, education, and social work fields.
Women comprise 71% of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in traditionally female-dominated professions. The Tigers compete in 16 NCAA Division II sports with 310 total athletes. Most students come from Pennsylvania (88%), creating a tight-knit community feel. The 83% retention rate indicates students find the supportive environment they're seeking, though the 60% six-year graduation rate suggests academic rigor requires dedication.
Students pay an average net price of $12,251 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving working-class families. Graduates earn a median salary of $62,235 within ten years, while carrying typical debt of $25,125. The 97.1% employment rate shows strong job placement in nursing, education, and social work fields.
Women comprise 71% of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in traditionally female-dominated professions. The Tigers compete in 16 NCAA Division II sports with 310 total athletes. Most students come from Pennsylvania (88%), creating a tight-knit community feel. The 83% retention rate indicates students find the supportive environment they're seeking, though the 60% six-year graduation rate suggests academic rigor requires dedication.
Academics & Faculty
Holy Family University centers its academics around nursing, education, and professional programs that prepare students for immediate career entry. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures nursing students get hands-on clinical training and education majors receive personalized mentoring during student teaching. This Catholic university emphasizes practical learning over research, with professors who focus entirely on undergraduate instruction. The 60.4% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's mission to serve first-generation college students who often balance work and family obligations. Strong programs in criminal justice, business, and radiologic sciences complement the flagship nursing program. Small class sizes mean students build close relationships with faculty who understand their career goals.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 20.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 59.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 60.4%
- Retention Rate
- 83.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,235
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $101,406 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $86,867 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $71,388 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $67,101 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $55,964 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $55,840 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $50,677 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $48,432 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $46,790 |
Campus Life
Philadelphia winters mean bundling up for snow and temperatures that regularly drop below freezing. Holy Family sits in northeast Philadelphia, about 30 minutes from Center City's Independence Hall and cheesesteaks. Only 13% of the 2,298 students live in the limited on-campus housing of 298 spots, so most commute from home or nearby apartments.
The 71% female student body creates a close-knit community where the 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. With 87% of students from Pennsylvania, many already have friend groups from high school or work part-time jobs in the area. The Tigers compete in 16 Division II sports, drawing modest crowds to games. Weekends often involve trips into Philadelphia for concerts, museums, or Phillies games rather than traditional campus parties. The Catholic heritage shows in service opportunities and campus ministry programs, though students of all backgrounds attend. Study groups are common given the focus on demanding programs like nursing and education that require hands-on learning and clinical rotations.
The 71% female student body creates a close-knit community where the 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. With 87% of students from Pennsylvania, many already have friend groups from high school or work part-time jobs in the area. The Tigers compete in 16 Division II sports, drawing modest crowds to games. Weekends often involve trips into Philadelphia for concerts, museums, or Phillies games rather than traditional campus parties. The Catholic heritage shows in service opportunities and campus ministry programs, though students of all backgrounds attend. Study groups are common given the focus on demanding programs like nursing and education that require hands-on learning and clinical rotations.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 298 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1954
Campus Safety (2023)
5 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Dating Violence | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 24°–39°F
- July Avg
- 67°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 88.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 22.4"
Student Demographics
Holy Family draws students who want personalized attention in a values-based environment. With 87% coming from Pennsylvania, the university has built a strong local reputation for career-focused programs. The student body is 71% women, reflecting the school's strength in nursing and education where these fields traditionally attract more female students. Nearly 40% receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves many first-generation and working-class families. The Catholic mission resonates with students seeking both academic preparation and spiritual development in their college experience.
- Men
- 28.9%
- Women
- 71.2%
- White
- 53.9%
- Black
- 14.5%
- Hispanic
- 16.8%
- Asian
- 7.5%
- In-State Students
- 87.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 39.7%
Location
Holy Family University sits in northeast Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, putting students directly in America's fifth-largest city. The campus lies about 15 miles from Center City Philadelphia, offering easy access to internships, cultural attractions, and job opportunities in the metropolitan area. Philadelphia's rich history, strong museums, and active neighborhoods provide countless learning experiences beyond the classroom. The university draws 87.57% of its students from Pennsylvania, reflecting strong local ties to the Philadelphia region. Students benefit from the city's extensive public transportation system and proximity to other major East Coast cities like New York and Washington, DC. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Holy Family University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19114-2009
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,235
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $78,040
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $43,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 63.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $266/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,125
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Holy Family University?
Holy Family University accepts 77.44% of applicants with an average SAT score of 972. The Catholic university in northeast Philadelphia maintains accessible admission standards while focusing on nursing, education, and professional programs.
How much does Holy Family University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $12,251 despite a sticker price of $49,892 total cost of attendance. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,401 on average, making this private Catholic institution surprisingly affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Holy Family University?
Holy Family maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 2,298 total students. The small class sizes support the university's focus on personalized attention in nursing, education, and other professional programs.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Holy Family University?
The university achieves a 60.40% six-year graduation rate with graduates earning a median salary of $62,235 ten years after graduation. An impressive 97.1% employment rate demonstrates strong career preparation in the university's professional programs.
Where is Holy Family University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in northeast Philadelphia with housing capacity for just 298 students out of 2,298 total enrollment. Most students commute from the local area, as 87.57% are Pennsylvania residents attending this urban Catholic institution.
Is Holy Family University diverse in its student body composition?
The student body is 71.15% women and diverse with 53.87% white students, 16.84% Hispanic, 14.45% Black, and 7.53% Asian students. This diversity reflects the university's location in Philadelphia and its mission as a Catholic institution serving the broader community.
